Policy Analyst, Substance Use and Addiction

About this position

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario is a provincial association committed to improving services and support for individuals with mental illnesses and to the promotion of mental health in Ontario.
 

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced individual to join our team as a Policy Analyst to steer our substance use and addiction portfolio. Reporting to the Director of Public Policy, this Analyst will investigate trends and opportunities, coordinate projects, manage a community of practice, review legislation and public policy, direct advocacy, and recommend policy options for CMHA Ontario as it relates to substance use and addiction. The Analyst will collaborate across other policy areas including health system transformation, housing and the social determinants of health, justice and equity. Experience in the field of substance use and addiction is a requirement. 
 

Core Responsibilities

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of trends and identify themes in mental health, substance use, addictions, harm reduction, the health care system and clinical studies.
• Prepare critical reviews, briefs, reports, policy submissions, and presentations, and provide policy advice to CMHA Ontario’s leadership and CMHA branches.
• Manage relationships with key partners in the mental health and addictions sector including participating in provincial committees and working groups.
• Identify options and monitor health system performance with a focus on the planning of services and supports for people with substance use and addiction issues.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of statistical sources related to mental health, substance use, and addiction and participate in the development of knowledge transfer resources.
• Provide education on substance use, addictions, harm reduction, and the addictions treatment system.
• Support CMHA Ontario, as well as our CMHA branches across Ontario, on substance use and addiction issues and steer the Substance Use and Addiction Community of Practice.

Required Skills and Experience

• A minimum of 5 years' experience in policy analysis, health services research or health system development. 
• Practical work experience in mental health, substance use and addiction, or broader community and social services sector.
• Advanced knowledge of the mental health and addiction sector and specifically issues impacting people living with substance use or addiction issues. Should have strong an understanding the current landscape in Ontario around the drug crisis and changes around alcohol policy.
• Knowledge of provincial directions in health care reform, substance use and addiction services and treatment in Ontario.
• Familiarity with key concepts of mental health promotion and social determinants of health. 
• Experience working in multi-sectoral partnerships and liaising with non-governmental organizations and government agencies and knowledge of the public policy environment in Ontario. 
• Experience managing projects and managing multiple tasks within established timelines in a team environment.

Behavioural Competencies

• Strategic Thinking
• Initiative/Self-Starter Attitude
• Professionalism
• Teamwork/Collaboration
• Interpersonal Communication
• Critical Thinking/Problem Solving
• Time Management
• Adaptability

Salary 

Hiring Rate: This position pays between $81,124.71 and $83,539.88 per annum, based on a 35-hour work week.

The salary grid for this role ranges between $81,124.71 at Step 1 and $91,228.95 at Step 5. The initial salary offered for this position is anticipated to fall between Step 1 and Step 2 of the salary grid as posted above as the hiring rate.
 

Working Conditions

This is a full-time, regular (permanent) position working standard office hours (currently 35 hours/week). This position is based in Toronto, Ontario and may require regular travel. We are currently operating within a hybrid model, with colleagues working from the office at least 3 days/week and from home up to 2 days/week.

This position is also a desk job with extended periods of sitting, reading, telephone interaction, and working at the computer. This position involves some moderate lifting, shipping, and handling. Attendance at various meetings throughout the workday/workweek will be required; meetings may occur on short notice, depending on the circumstances.
 

As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will be required to maintain and submit proof of full COVID-19 vaccination. 
 

This position is within the OPSEU Bargaining Unit.
 

The Canadian Mental Health Association celebrates the value of a diverse workforce that brings professional and lived experience and expertise from a wide variety of backgrounds and life circumstances. Whatever your background, if you feel you meet the requirements of this role then we want to hear from you.

Workplace and candidate accommodation is available at all stages of the recruitment and selection process upon request.